Captain Robert Gray

Originally Aired: March 16, 1938 Cavalcade of America #126, "Captain Robert Gray," Captain Robert Gray and Captain John Kendrick are summoned to a Boston tavern in 1787 by the Boston Marine Association, led by Dr. Thomas Bullfinch and several prominent merchants. The businessmen propose an ambitious trading expedition: sail to the Pacific coast, trade manufactured goods for valuable sea otter pelts with the natives, then carry the furs to China to exchange for tea. Beyond profits, however, they ask the captains to search for a legendary undiscovered river called the Oregon, which would give the United States a powerful claim to the western territories. Kendrick, the older captain, takes command of the expedition aboard the Columbia, while the younger Gray commands the smaller sloop Lady Washington. The voyage quickly reveals tensions between the two commanders. Kendrick's delays at various ports frustrate Gray and his loyal second mate, Robert Haswell, who believes Kendrick is cheating the ship's owners. After the ships are separated in a violent storm off South America, Gray proceeds independently to Nootka Sound and successfully trades for furs, preparing to sail for China. However, when Kendrick finally arrives, he countermands Gray's plans, forcing both ships to winter over instead of proceeding to market, testing Gray's patience and loyalty to his difficult superior officer.